Public Health Science majors pursue a demanding curriculum based in life sciences and the core areas of public health, which culminates in a research-based capstone project. Exceptional Public Health Science majors may be recognized for achievements within and beyond the classroom at the annual School of Public Health Convocation.
Scholarships for Public Health Science Majors
There are currently two merit scholarships specifically for Public Health Science majors with junior standing. Generously donated by Barbara and Carl Alving and Jane Clark and Jill Whitall, the Barbara and Carl Alving Endowed Research Award in Public Health Science and the Whitlark Endowed Scholarship in Public Health Science, respectively, are given annually to a student in the Public Health Science major.
Barbara and Carl Alving Endowed Research Award in Public Health Science
- Award Amount: $2,000
- Nomination Deadline: December 2nd, 2024
This merit based award, given each spring, recognizes a junior Public Health Science student who demonstrates research excellence and the potential or ability to translate health-related research in clinical or community applications.
- Public Health Science major
- Of junior status (~30 credits or one more year of study remaining)
- Currently active or recently active (within past 12 months) in a research lab (academic, industrial and/or government, e.g. county, state or federal)
- Please note: Reception of course credit for the research experience is not considered in the eligibility process
Nominations for the Barbara and Carl Alving Endowed Research Award may be submitted by the student or by their lab supervisor or PI.
Students who self-nominate must provide the following:
- Application form
- Letter of nomination (250-500 words written by student) uploaded with application form. This should include:
- a description of your research experience (including research lab name and location, dates of student research activity)
- your accomplishments in the position (how did your contributions advance the research
- Public health value of the research you conducted
- Letter from your research supervisor (lab director or Principal Investigator) emailed directly to PHSC or submitted via nomination form. This statement should address:
- Details of the student’s contributions to the research (measured through publications, advancement of study, collection or analysis of data)
Researchers who nominate a student must submit the following:
- Application form (see link below)
- Letter of nomination (250-500 words submitted by the lab director or Principal Investigator) uploaded with application form. This should address the following:
- Description of the student’s research experience (including research lab name and location, dates of student research activity)
- Details of the student’s contributions to the research (measured through publications, advancement of study, collection or analysis of data)
- Public health value of the research
Award recipient(s) will be expected to provide a written thank you letter to the award donors, attend a meeting with the donors, and/or attend the School of Public Health Annual Convocation.
To apply for this scholarship, complete the online application.
Whitlark Endowed Scholarship in Public Health Science
- Award Amount: $2,000
- Nomination Deadline: December 2nd, 2024
This funded, merit based award, given each spring, recognizes junior Public Health Science students who demonstrate academic excellence and the potential for future leadership in public health, and, when possible, commitment to the integration of physical activity and public health. Preference will go to first-generation college students.
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be:
- A Public Health Science major, and
- Of junior status (~30 credits or one more year of study remaining)
Preference is given to candidates who:
- are first-generation college students (first person in their family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor's degree), and/or
- demonstrate commitment to the integration of physical activity and public health
Nominations for the Whitlark Endowed Scholarship in Public Health Science may be submitted by the student or by a UMD faculty or staff member, or other professional reference.
Students who self-nominate must provide the following:
- Application form (see link below). You will upload these documents with the form:
- Current unofficial UMD transcript
- Resume
- Letter of application that addresses how you meet the selection criteria for this award.
- Letter of support (ie from professor, employer, or other professional reference) submitted by the recommender via the application form or emailed directly to PHSC.
Scholarship recipient(s) will be expected to provide a written thank you letter to the donors, attend a meeting with the donors, and/or attend the School of Public Health Annual Convocation
To apply for this scholarship, complete the online application.
SPH and UMD Scholarships and Awards
Dean's Outstanding Scholars Recognition
The Dean's Outstanding Scholars Recognition is an annual, non-monetary distinction that recognizes exceptional students throughout SPH. More specifically, these awards are given to students who have first and foremost excelled academically in the classroom, demonstrating curiosity, maturity, creativity, motivation and intellect. Award recipients are engaged citizens of the School and have made a notable impression on their department, faculty and peers through their academic and co-curricular achievements.
Each spring, faculty, staff and students are asked to nominate potential recipients. Scholars are then selected by a committee of faculty and staff. Recipients are then recognized at the annual SPH Convocation.
Additional Scholarship Resources for PHSC Students
The University of Maryland offers many forms of financial aid, including merit- and need-based scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment (also known as Federal Work-Study). Information about how to apply for financial aid at UMD is available on the Financial Aid/Scholarships section of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website
- School of Public Health Scholarships (need- and merit-based)
- SPH Undergraduate Tuition and Financial Aid Information
- UMD Office of Student Financial Aid (all types of financial assistance)
- UMD National Scholarships Office (prestigious scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study)
- Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research
- Maryland Summer Scholars (financial assistance for summer research)
- UMD Bright Futures Scholarship for unpaid Summer Internships
- UMD Education Abroad Scholarships for study abroad and other global experiences
Shady Grove Awards and Scholarships
Students in the Public Health Science at Shady Grove program are able to apply for both College Park and Shady Grove scholarships. In addition to Public Health Science and School of Public Health scholarships, various private scholarships are available for students enrolled in programs at the Universities at Shady Grove campus.
Students are able to apply for Shady Grove scholarships each fall and spring semester. Fall scholarships become available in March and the priority deadline to apply is June 30th. Spring scholarships are available in September and the priority deadline to apply is November 30th.